Image: Plated gauntlets (mailed gloves) date back as far as the early 10th or 12th Centuries (1)
Gloves, an example of a tailored garment, are usually worn to keep ones hands warm, where as Gauntlets were developed to protect the hands in fighting. Throwing down the gauntlet as a way of challenging someone was a part of English law for 800 years. Later the glove was used by men to challenge someone to a duel. Single long gloves were made for men and actually fit over their sleeves in order to protect their sword arm. But wearing gloves as a fashion began during the 12th century. In Queen Elizabeth I court, no well dressed woman was without gloves. In the 16th and 17th century, gloves were heavily ornamented with fringe, jewels, lace and embroideries and were made of leather, silk, linen or lace. Glove making became a refined art and London became the hub of glove makers. (2)
(1) http://discussion.academyart.edu/sectionContent/54-23431/27072/session_06.html
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